VYM vs XIMR
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF vs FT Vest US Equity Buffer & Premium Income ETF - March
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VYM | XIMR | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.85% | |
| AUM | $81.6B | $30M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.24% | 6.51% | |
| Holdings | 616 | 14 | |
| YTD Return | +14.66% | +1.31% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.16% | +3.01% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.72% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.18% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 2.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.8% | -5.1% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Nov 10, 2006 | Mar 18, 2024 |
VYM vs XIMR Performance
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and FT Vest US Equity Buffer & Premium Income ETF - March (XIMR) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year VYM returned +22.16% while XIMR returned +3.01%. Year to date, VYM is up 14.66% versus a gain of 1.31% for XIMR.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 2.3% for XIMR. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -58.8% for VYM and -5.1% for XIMR. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.54. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VYM charges 0.04% per year while XIMR charges 0.85%. On a $10,000 position that is $4 vs $85 annually, a gap of $81 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VYM currently yields 2.24% against 6.51% for XIMR.
Holdings Overlap
VYM and XIMR share 0 holdings out of 605 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VYM or XIMR?
VYM has an expense ratio of 0.04% while XIMR charges 0.85%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $81 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VYM or XIMR?
Over the past year VYM returned +22.16% vs +3.01% for XIMR, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), VYM annualized +7.01% vs +5.36% for XIMR. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VYM or XIMR?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 2.3% for XIMR. Worst drawdown: VYM -58.8% vs XIMR -5.1%.
Should I hold both VYM and XIMR?
VYM and XIMR have a monthly-return correlation of 0.54, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VYM and XIMR?
VYM and XIMR share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 605 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VYM or XIMR?
VYM yields 2.24% while XIMR yields 6.51%, so XIMR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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